Earlier this month, the Americorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program partnered with Hunterdon Land Trust (HLT) to remove invasive species and trash debris at the Saeger Preserve, part of the Holland Highlands, on Shire Road, Milford, N.J. This effort was led by N.J. Watershed Ambassador Susan Lee, ambassador for Watershed Management Area 11 (WMA 11), which covers the central Delaware portion of New Jersey. DRBC is a proud supporter of this program and annually hosts the watershed ambassador for WMA 11.

Ten volunteers targeted invasive plants like autumn olive, multiflora rose, and mile-a-minute vine along a section of streambank at the Preserve. Ten bags of trash were also collected, preventing it from entering the waterway, which is a tributary of the Delaware River. Removing invasive species and picking up trash are important activities for protecting streams and improving water quality and habitat. 

The Tom Saeger Land Preserve was protected by HLT with funding from the New Jersey Green Acres Program and other partners. Previous work at the site has included additional removal of invasive species, the installation of deer fencing, and native tree plantings.

The Americorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program is an environmental community service program administered by the N.J. Dept. of Environmental Protection to raise public awareness about water and watershed issues and to promote watershed stewardship through direct community involvement. AmeriCorps members are assigned to different watersheds throughout the state to serve as "watershed ambassadors" to their watershed communities. Please visit the above link for more information.

To learn more about HLT's stewardship activities, please click here and also visit the above links. To view some additional photos on their Facebook page, please click here (you do not need an account to view).